Week 3: Crafting Data Stories
Crafting Data Stories Introduction
Storytelling with data is one of the good and great skills one must learn for success in Google Data Analytics. The Professional Certificate programme in Coursera exposes students to in-depth engagement in making compelling, data-driven stories with Tableau and its rich features.
This part of the curriculum trains students to be skilled in how to use dashboards, filters, and other data analysis tools available in Tableau to gain insights and produce data-scientific stories in relation to organisational goals.
Learning Objectives:
- Having brief knowledge about data-driven storytelling; its importance and features.
- Learn how to use Tableau almost perfectly to build dashboards and filter dashboards.
- Understand the value of data stories in improving communication in various workplace scenarios.
Test your knowledge on data-driven stories
1. Data storytelling involves which of the following elements? Select all that apply.
- Selecting only the data points that support your case
- Describing the steps of your analysis process
- Using a narrative that is customized to your audience (Correct)
- Communicating the meaning of a dataset with visuals (Correct)
Correct: Through using Tableau, one can analyze and interpret the data so that a well-informed decision could be made. It serves in connecting the databases, spreadsheets, or CSV files so that interactive dashboards can be created for sharing through easy communication of insights.
2. data analyst presents their data story to an audience. They aim to capture and hold the audience members’ interest and attention. Which data storytelling concept does this describe?
- Primary message
- Narrative
- Engagement (Correct)
- Visuals
Correct: Engagement is the process of most efficiently capturing and maintaining the interest and attention of an audience.
3. Which of the following activities would a data analyst do while spotlighting? Select all that apply.
- Identify ideas or concepts that arise repeatedly (Correct)
- Search for broad, universal ideas and messages (Correct)
- Focus on the details of the analysis and results
- Write notes on a white board that contain the data analysis insights (Correct)
Correct: In a sense, spotlighting means combing through data to produce quick insights. It may entail taking notes on a whiteboard or regarding major themes and searching for repeated patterns or concepts.
Hands-on Activity: Crafting, filtering, and Customizing Charts
1. Which changes can you make to customize a chart in a spreadsheet? Select all that apply.
- Animate the chart by using the Multimedia drop-down
- Change the chart type by using the Chart type drop-down (Correct)
- Change the chart colors by using the Series drop-down (Correct)
- Change the chart’s data by updating relevant cells (Correct)
Correct: Personalization of a chart within a spreadsheet can be done by changing the colors, modifying the data, and choosing a different type of chart. This is how you familiarize yourself with the basics of customizing a chart, which would help you in the upcoming facts about data visualization and allow you to build the core skills needed to later present data effectively.
Test Your Knowledge on Using Dashboards
1. Fill in the blank: A dashboard organizes information from multiple datasets into one central location. This enables the information to be _____. Select all that apply.
- analyzed (Correct)
- tracked (Correct)
- visualized (Correct)
- protected
Correct: A dashboard is a tool for measuring, analyzing, and exhibiting data for clear and interactive observation of key insights.
2. A data analyst is choosing their dashboard layout. They want the layout to automatically resize itself based on the dashboard size. They should use a tiled layout.
- True (Correct)
- False
Correct: In Tableau, the analyst must use a floating layout for the dashboard to automatically adjust its layout based on the size of the dashboard.
3. What are some reasons why you might choose to use filters when creating a dashboard view? Select all that apply.
- To highlight individual data points (Correct)
- To put the data in chronological order
- To zero in on what’s important to your stakeholders (Correct)
- To remove outliers that don’t conform to your hypothesis
Correct: Filters are used to highlight some relevant data points, or to perhaps focus on information critical to stakeholders needs and priorities.
Test Your Knowledge on Communicate Data Stories
1. A new challenge from a competitor, an inefficient process that needs to be improved, or a potential business opportunity could all represent which aspect of data storytelling?
- Plot (Correct)
- Big reveal
- Setting
- Aha moment
Correct: A new challenge from a competitor, an inefficient process that needs improvement, or a potential opportunity in the business can act as the primary pivot in a data story. It describes the challenge, egging its characters into action.
2. Fill in the blank: When designing a presentation, a slideshow tool called _____ can be used to control the color, font types and sizes, formating, and positioning of text and visuals.
- patterns
- themes (Correct)
- schemes
- motives
Correct: Theme settings allow you to control the entire texture and ambiance of the presentation: they assist in fixing the colors, font types and sizes, formatting, and placement of text and visuals-and with more coherence across materials.
3. A data analyst includes a visual in their presentation to represent information from a dataset. It’s important that the visual reflect the latest information, so the analyst wants it to update automatically if the original dataset changes. The analyst should copy and paste the visual into the presentation.
- True
- False (Correct)
Correct: So that a visual remains current, it should be linked to the file from which it was originally derived, rather than by copying and pasting it to a presentation. Copying and pasting means the visual would no longer automatically update when the original changes, which could potentially leave outdated information being presented.
1. Fill in the blank: A data-storytelling narrative connects the data to the project _____.
- tasks
- objectives (Correct)
- insights
- stakeholders
Correct: Data-storytelling narrative relates the data to the aims of the project with context, and perspectives that help drive the decision-making, aligning the findings with that of the project.
2. You are preparing to communicate to an audience about an analysis project. You consider the roles that your audience members play and their stake in the project. What aspect of data storytelling does this scenario describe?
- Engagement (Correct)
- Theme
- Takeaways
- Discussion
Correct: Audience engagement consists of comprehending the role of that audience member, his or her involvement in the project concerning it. Capturing interest and attention, implementation-related keeping it for the purpose of effective messaging makes it a great process.
3. Fill in the blank: An important part of dashboard design is ensuring that charts, graphs, and other visual elements are cohesive. This means that they are _____ and make good use of available space.
- labeled
- colorful
- detailed
- balanced (Correct)
Correct: Dashboards deal with charts, graphs, and other visual elements that should be cohesive: nicely balanced and optimally filling in spaces, so graphics are easy to read and understand.
4. A data analyst is creating a dashboard using Tableau. In order to layer objects over other items, which layout should they choose?
- Floating (Correct)
- Tiled
- Itemized
- Layered
Correct: In Tableau, you should choose a floating layout when layering objects over other items in a dashboard. This is because floating items can be positioned on top of or over other objects for optimally flexible arrangements on the dashboard.
5. A data analyst creates a scatter plot in Tableau and notices an outlier. What should they do next?
- Investigate the outlier to determine if it can lead to any important observations (Correct)
- Use a filter to highlight the outlier, as it is more important than the rest of the data
- Shift the outlier to the center of the other data points for conformity
- Remove the outlier, as it is unlikely to lead to any important observations
Correct: When a data analyst comes across an outlier, for example, in a scatter plot, the analyst should dig in further on the outlier because it might have interesting causes or valuable insights or patterns that could affect the rest of the analysis.
6. You are creating a dashboard in Tableau to share with stakeholders. Why might you decide to pre-filter the dashboard? Select all that apply.
- To direct stakeholders to important data (Correct)
- To save stakeholders the effort of filtering the dashboard themselves (Correct)
- To eliminate data points that do not support your conclusions
- To save stakeholders time in finding important data (Correct)
Correct: Pre-filtering comes in handy as it shortens the path to analysis through saving time and effort, while it directly points stakeholders to the most relevant and significant data.
7. Fill in the blank: An effective slideshow guides your audience through your main communication points, but it does not repeat every word you say. A best practice is to keep text to fewer than five lines and _____ words per slide.
- 25 (Correct)
- 5
- 50
- 100
Correct: In a presentation, limit text on a slide to a maximum of five lines and 25 words in total. This helps to keep the audience interested in your presentation message rathert than focusing on reading wordy texts on slides.
8. A data analyst wants to include a visual in their slideshow, then make some changes to it. Which of the following options will enable the analyst to edit the visual within the presentation without affecting its original file? Select all that apply.
- Copy and paste the visual into the presentation (Correct)
- Embed the visual into the presentation (Correct)
- Connect the original visual to the presentation via its URL
- Link the original visual within the presentation
Correct: The analyst should use copy-paste or embedding to edit the visual without interfering with the original form; both these means enable editing within the presentation or report exclusive of any change to the source data or file.
9. A data professional working for a large retail chain analyzes customer purchase data to identify trends and patterns. While reviewing a scatterplot of purchase frequency versus amount, the analyst notices a cluster of data points far away from the main trendline. What should they do with this outlier?
- Determine whether it is an important observation (CORRECT)
- Move it closer to the main trendline
- Drop it from the scatterplot
- Hide it from the scatterplot
10. Fill in the blank: Charts, graphs, and other dashboard elements should be _____, which means they are balanced and make good use of available space.
- clean
- complete
- constant
- cohesive (CORRECT)
11. You are building a dashboard in Tableau. To create a single-layer grid that contains no overlapping elements, which layout should you choose?
- Layered
- Floating
- Itemized
- Tiled (CORRECT)
12. A data analyst wants to be able to edit a presentation visual directly. In addition, they do not want it to update automatically in other places. Which method should they use when adding the visual to their presentation?
- Copy and paste (CORRECT)
- Embed
- Screenshot
- Link
13. A data analyst at an e-commerce company uses data to identify which customers are most likely to make a purchase. The analyst shares this information with the marketing team in a report that uses data visualizations and storytelling techniques to make the findings clear and actionable. What aspect of data storytelling does this scenario describe?
- Setting
- Takeaways
- Spotlighting
- Narrative (CORRECT)
14. What Tableau tool can be used to limit the data displayed on a dashboard in order to reduce clutter and create a simple, clear visual for dashboard users?
- Pre-sorting
- Pre-sizing
- Pre-filtering (CORRECT)
- Pre-building
15. Which of the following statements correctly describe presentation best practices? Select all that apply.
- The characters are the analytics team members.
- An effective presentation supports the data storytelling narrative. (CORRECT)
- The plot creates tension in the current situation. (CORRECT)
- The setting describes what’s going on, how often it’s happening, what tasks are involved, and other background information. (CORRECT)
16. You prepare to communicate to stakeholders about an analysis project. You consider how to capture and hold people’s interest and attention. What aspect of data storytelling does this scenario describe?
- Takeaways
- Discussion
- Engagement (CORRECT)
- Theme
17. A junior data analyst at a manufacturing company analyzes product quality data to identify potential issues. While reviewing a scatterplot of product defect rate versus production batch, the analyst notices a data point far above the average defect rate. What should they do with this outlier?
- Drop it from the scatterplot
- Hide it from the scatterplot
- Move it closer to the main trendline
- Determine whether it is an important observation (CORRECT)
18. Fill in the blank: Charts, graphs, and other dashboard elements should be cohesive, which means they make good use of _____ and are balanced.
- labels and legends
- incoming data
- data filters
- available space (CORRECT)
19. You are building a dashboard in Tableau. To create a design in which items can be layered over other objects, which layout should you choose?
- Tiled
- Layered
- Itemized
- Floating (CORRECT)
20. A data analyst adds a visual to a presentation. They want to be able to edit the visual without affecting the data points from its source file. In addition, they do not want the visual to update within their presentation if the data changes in the source. Which method should they use when adding the visual to their presentation?
- Copy and paste
- Link
- Screenshot
- Embed (CORRECT)
21. A data analyst at an investment firm uses data to identify stocks that have the potential to become more valuable. The analyst shares this information with investment managers in a presentation that uses data visualizations and storytelling techniques to make the findings clear and convincing. What aspect of data storytelling does this scenario describe?
- Spotlighting
- Setting
- Takeaways
- Narrative (CORRECT)
22. Which of the following statements correctly describe presentation best practices? Select all that apply.
- The plot includes recommendations from the data insights.
- The aha moment involves sharing recommendations. (CORRECT)
- The characters are the people affected by the story, such as stakeholders, customers, or clients. (CORRECT)
- The setting describes background information about the data project and the current situation. (CORRECT)
23. You prepare to communicate to an audience about an analysis project. You consider the roles that your audience members play and their stake in the project. What aspect of data storytelling does this scenario describe?
- Discussion
- Theme
- Engagement (CORRECT)
- Takeaways
24. What is the key difference between tiled and floating items in Tableau?
- Tiled items create a single-layer grid that contains no overlapping elements; floating items can be layered over other objects. (CORRECT)
- Tiled items can be layered over other objects; floating items create a single-layer grid that contains no overlapping elements.
- Tiled items are connected by straight lines; floating items are unconnected.
- Tiled items always have a square layout; floating items are always based on circles.
25. A data analyst at a hospital uses data to show that patients who receive a certain type of treatment have a significantly better chance of making a full recovery. The analyst shares this information with hospital administrators in a presentation that uses data visualizations and storytelling techniques to make the findings clear and compelling. What aspect of data storytelling does this scenario describe?
- Spotlighting
- Narrative (CORRECT)
- Setting
- Takeaways
26. What Tableau tool can be used to limit the data displayed on a dashboard in order to save stakeholders time and effort?
- Pre-sizing
- Pre-sorting
- Pre-building
- Pre-filtering (CORRECT)
27. Fill in the blank: Charts, graphs, and other dashboard elements should be cohesive, which means they are _____ and make good use of available space.
- Balanced (CORRECT)
- labeled
- colorful
- detailed
28. A data analyst adds a visual to a presentation. They want to ensure that any changes made to the original file within its source location are automatically updated in the presentation. Which method should they use when adding the visual to their presentation?
- Screenshot
- Link
- Embed (CORRECT)
- Copy and paste
29. Which of the following statements correctly describe presentation best practices? Select all that apply.
- The setting depicts a challenge, an inefficient process, or a new opportunity.
- The plot creates tension in the current situation. (CORRECT)
- The big reveal highlights how data can be used to solve the problem. (CORRECT)
- The aha moment involves sharing recommendations. (CORRECT)
Crafting Data Stories conclusion
Tableau helps you visualize your data in a very powerful way. By the time you’ve been through this section of the course, you’ll master Tableau’s dashboards, filters, and other tools to attest the insights and create meaningful data stories. Such skills will allow you to get a better fit between your objectives and data. Embark today on the learning experience with Coursera, and let the power of Tableau unlock!